South Windsor Residents Have Mixed Feelings on 63-20 Corporations

Eight South Windsor residents spoke during public comment at the Town Council’s special work session in 63-20 corporations on Monday.

Their opinions mirrored those on the council, with some in favor of the financing mechanism and some against.

Craig Zimmerman said that 63-20 corporations should be at least an option for the town to finance the construction of some projects.

Zimmerman said that, with or without 63-20 corporations, the town needs more gymnasiums and a pool.

“At some point, we have to figure out what has to be done,” Zimmerman said.

The 63-20 corporation model was brought to light in large part due to a proposed $10.5 million recreation complex/skating rink that was brought before the council in October 2012.

That project, however, was essentially taken off the table in January. But residents - and several councilors - continued to associate it with the 63-20 model and the discussion that took place on Monday.

Al Larson, speaking to the need of the town to move forward with what it offers, noted that officials from Canton and Newington in the last three weeks had announced that they were at least looking into upgrading their recreation facilities.

Still others remained skeptical of 63-20 - or not-for-profit- corporations in no small part because they can be formed and authorized for multi-million dollar projects without having to go to referendums. The town council could, by simple majority, approve such a project.

Michael Sullivan said that the public was supposed to trust the town councilors with a big-ticket construction project, even though the council wouldn’t entrust the public to make that decision at a referendum.

“I’m having a hard time not being insulted by it,” said Sullivan, who added that, despite the presentation earlier, was still unclear on some of the details of how 63-20 corporations worked.

“This stuff is all as clear as mud,” he said.

No decisions were made at the special work session and nothing is before the council concerning 63-20s.

For more information on 63-20 corporations, visit the town's website here.